My sailing experience is pretty limited, several summers 35 years ago, a very good friend and I, both 200 lbs, and an ice chest full of beer, on a Sunfish. We thought we were getting pretty good until we stuck the mast in the mud on the bottom in the harbor on Utah lake and broke it

I have a friend in Chicago whom I visit every year and spend some time on his 37 ft boat, on Lake Michigan. Haven't learned a whole lot, but have a basic understanding.

Here in Utah we have the Salt Lake, Deer Creek, Utah Lake, and the Jordanelle within striking distance. I am looking probably at a cat, something I can take the grandkids out with for a leisurely sail, or perhaps a little time with my Sunfish pal, but don't see us doing any serious racing etc.

Simplicity and economy are probably my primary concerns, and it must trailer well.

I have so far found several Hobie Cats, 16 and 18, and a Prindle 18 all reasonably close and well within my $3K budget.

Any reccomendations, things to look for, things to look out for?

Is the Prindle as reasonable to rig as a Hobie? Parts availability and cost?

Thanks in advance!

Kevin

Prindle 18 is about 80# lighter than H-18, Harken blocks standard and no daggerboards to worry about. Plenty of flotation for three people. Jib blocks are a little more clutter than H-18 and rudder adjustment takes a little more attention. Parts as easily available as H-18--and you should be looking at an 18. Pete

Agree with Pete, at what you want to carry, stick to the 18 foot boats. Any of them will work for you, just get the one that is in the best condition and includes everything to rig, sail and trailer.

And Welcome to TheBeachcats.com! Keep us updated on your progress. We do have Utah sailors here so hopefully you can get some local help as well.

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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

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Thanks for all the feedback guys, we missed an 18 ft Prindle that looked really good.

That guy though has a friend selling a Nacra, are they good bad or indifferent?

Thanks

My feeling is that all these boats are way under priced. The modern 18's are Formula 18's @ $16,000-18,000. You can't buy a new Hobie 18, Prindle 18, or Nacra 5.2, 5,5 or 5.7. They're not made any more! And used F-18's with taller mast are too powerful for you & your grand kids. The Prindle 18 with no boards to worry about or a Nacra 5.7 if found anywhere under $3000 is a deal. But you have to act fast or drive further to get it. Pete

Thanks Pete,

The Prindle 18 went for $800! AARRGGHH. So I am assuming the seller has an idea what my budget range is.

We have looked at a couple of Hobie 16's both under $1000, but needed a lot of work, and I think I need bigger.

Also the mystery yellow craft here in Utah, unknown make, spacey looking but too small.

This Hobie 18 is 3-4 hours away, any thoughts
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=218&ad=24776628&cat=&lpid=&search=Hobie&ad_cid=6

There is also a Miracle 20 a similar distance, but it is budget buster. Is the 20 still reasonable to trailer? Any other caveats, pros or cons.

If I had an unlimited budget, the Getaway looks great, I know it's slower but the front tramp and wings look inviting.

Can you add a front tramp and wings to just about any catamaran?

Thanks again for all the help.

Kevin